Thank you for
volunteering to coach Micro Soccer in the Medway Youth Soccer program. This
hand out is to update all new as well as returning coaches on the 4 V 4
Micro Soccer format.
Why
4 V 4? Pickup games which
allow for free play have long since been replaced by organized sports
leagues that are governed by adults. As a result, these leagues reflect
what adults believe the game of soccer should be like for youngsters. By
comparison, take a walk through the streets of Brazil (2002 World Cup
Champion). Children of all ages play pickup soccer games in the street
without any adult intervention. They derive their pleasure and love for the
“Game” by participating.
The 4 V 4 program was adopted by Medway
Youth Soccer in the Spring of 1999 to allow the children to touch the ball
more often, play both offense and defense throughout the game and play more
of the “Game”.
Field Size?
20 X 30 yards, 2 separate fields are set up for each game.
Players?
Prior to the start of the games, the 12 members of each team are divided
into 2 equal groups. Coaches need to decide which players will play on team
1 and team 2. Opposing coaches must work to ensure comparable skill levels
on both teams. To maximize the number of ball touches for each child, it is
recommended that when dividing the teams that team 1 should consist of the
more developed skilled players and team 2 should consist of the less
developed skilled players. Team 1 then plays against team 1 from the
opposing coaches team and team 2 will play against team 2 from the opposing
coaches team on a second field. Games will be played with 6 players per
team playing 4 V 4 with no goalie.
Duration?
4 ten-minute quarters will be played, running time. There will be a
two-minute break between quarters 1 and 2, and quarters 3 and 4. There will
be a five-minute break for halftime.
Substitutions?
All children should play equally. Substitutions should be made on the fly.
Role of the Coaches?
The head coaches from each team should be on
the field during the games. The coaches should work cooperatively to help
explain any infractions. In the first half, one head coach should be on the
field overseeing the team 1 versus team 1 game. The other head coach should
be on the other field overseeing team 2 versus team 2. At half time, both
head coaches switch to work with the other group. The assistants will stay
with the players on the sidelines that are not currently on the field in
either game. Coaches should decide on one person to keep the time for both
games.
Referee? None, coaches
serve this role. See “Basic Rules of the 4 V 4 Game”.
Ball Size?
Size 3.
Goals?
Small goals are provided for each set of games.
Start and End Times?
Please start all games and END games on time.
Basic Rules of the 4 V 4 Game?
- No offsides
- When the ball goes out of bounds over the
sidelines (touchline), it is put back into play by a kick-in from the spot
it went out of bounds. The kick-in cannot be shot directly into the goal.
- When the ball goes over the end line, it
is put back into play either by dribbling or a kick-in from the spot it
went over the end line. No corner kicks.
- After a goal has been scored, play shall
begin by a restart at mid-field.
- The coaches act as field supervisors or
managers instead of referees.
- Players can score from anywhere on the
field.
- All fouls are penalized by an indirect
free kick. The opponent must be 3 yards away from the ball at the time of
the kick.
- No slide tackles are allowed.
- No penalty kicks are allowed.
- Substitutions are made on the fly.
- Equal time shall be allowed for all
players.
Sportsmanship?
All players, all coaches and all parents should shake hands at the
conclusion of the match.
Score?
No SCORES or STATS should be kept.
The board will be on the fields on opening
day to assist the coaches with this format |
